C vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. C offers the higher yield at 2.15%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and C looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price).
Key facts: C vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Citigroup Inc. (C) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.15%, versus 0.52% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades C's dividend safety A (80/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, C has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, C pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, C's fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price, so C looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "C vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/c-vs-ma
| Metric | C | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.15% | 0.52% |
| Annual dividend | $2.68 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.6% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 93% | 103% |
| Dividend safety score | 80 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $152.63 | $499.25 |
| Upside to fair value | +28% | -25% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $197.5B | $578.5B |
| P/E ratio | 11.6 | 34.7 |
Higher yield
C
2.15%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
C
+28% upside
C vs MA — FAQ
Is C or MA a better dividend stock?
On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). C offers the higher yield (2.15%), while MA has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, C or MA?
C has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.15%, versus 0.52% for MA.
Is C or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 80/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is C or MA better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, C looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 28% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 25% below its share price.
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.